Tilly Norwood is new to Hollywood, and she’s already drawing backlash.
Norwood is AI-generated, created by actor and comedian Eline Van der Velden, according to Deadline. Van der Velden also serves as founder and CEO of Particle 6, an AI-production company. She recently launched Xicoia, an AI talent studio that is behind the creation of Norwood.
A recent report by Deadline revealed talent agents were interested in signing the AI-generated actress, prompting negative reactions from several Hollywood actors.
AI played a role in both the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023, as unions pushed for protections against it.
So, how big a threat does Tilly Norwood pose to human performers? Emily Carmen, an associate professor of Film and Media Studies at Chapman University, told KNX News’ Jon Baird that while she won’t replace the A-listers, it could be a problem for working actors and actresses who rely on commercials and extra parts.
“Maybe it’s easier to throw in a Tilly Norwood instead of actually, you know, paying union wages for a day's work,” she said. “That's where I think there is more to be concerned about, because, would that be cheaper? It still costs money to create these AI actors. They're not made for free.”
Kate Fortmueller, an associate professor in Media Studies at Georgia State University, told Baird that while Norwood does look “relatively real,” you can still notice some things that are off with her.
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“The two-minute clips that they released that looks a little off,” she said. “I think, you know, eyebrows, sort of like how the face moves when they talk. I do think it's not quite weighty in the way that humans look. So I would, I would sort of say, I think there's still a way to go, but, yes…as this technology improves, she will never age, never demand a better contract, but I think we'll also never kind of have the humanity that actors bring to a role.”
Van der Velden released a statement on her social media Sunday responding to the backlash. She writes that Norwood is “not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work - a piece of art.” She added that she hopes AI can be welcomed “as part of the wider artistic family.”
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